Sara Gillis Hawkins

1978 - 2024

A beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and colleague, Sara Gillis Hawkins (formerly Sara Dawn Gillis), 46 years old, of Chevy Chase, MD died of complications related to cancer in her home, surrounded by loved ones on July 9, 2024.

Sara was born in Pittsburgh, PA on April 28, 1978 to Alan and Faith Gillis, who provided unwavering love and affection to Sara throughout her entire life. Sara attended Chartiers Valley High School before studying Political Science at the University of Delaware, and then pursuing her law degree at American University in Washington, DC. After graduation from law school, she pursued a career as a securities lawyer, ultimately working as a regulator at the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission ("SEC"), where she worked for almost 20 years.

Sara met her husband, Charles ("Chuck") Hawkins, on the very first day of law school in August 2000. While often considered an unpleasant three years, Sara and Chuck loved their time together during law school, earnestly studying and learning the challenging subject matter, but also falling in love and exploring their new hometown, the District. After graduation and eager to start their new lives together, the two were married in Pittsburgh on September 4, 2004.

After marriage, the two embarked on challenging legal careers, ate their way across town, traveled as much as possible, learned how to cook together, and enjoyed the countless cultural outlets that DC had to offer, including, but by no means limited to, theater, museums, festivals, concerts and more. But, Sara's true passion was her two children, Molly (13) and Jack (11). There was nothing Sara would not do for her kids, including putting a delicious meal on the table every single day after logging a hard day's work and going for a run. But her favorite part of being a mom, without question, was the simple act of reading a book with her kids. Any book, any time, read by any one of them would suffice. During the bedtime routine, which often spanned 2 hours, countless books were read in chairs, on laps, in beds, and by Sara, or either of the kids or all of them at the same time. It was a joy and blessing to watch, and has instilled upon Molly and Jack a lifetime gift of the love of reading.

Among the many friendships that she cherished, Sara spent a lifetime of friendship with her high school friends, Kate and Megan. But Sara's love did not stop there, of course, but extended to so many, from her "Chevy Chase moms," to her Chevy Chase Hills neighbors, Chuck's family, NCCSPA friends, law school classmates, work colleagues, and many more.

Sara was proud of her ability to balance her love for her kids and her passion for the law. As a regulator in the Office of Market Supervision at the SEC, Sara was a proud civil servant, and an excellent writer, which made her highly valued among her colleagues.

On March 22, 2022, Sara was diagnosed with a rare cancer, and so was born the Legend of Ladyhawk. Enduring over 50 treatments, Sara showed a grit and determination, the likes of which few have witnessed. When asked how she found the resolution to continue to battle, her response never wavered – "I do this for my kids." Ladyhawk's sparkling personality and courageous spirit championed the formation of Team Ladyhawk, responsible for raising over a half a million dollars for the research of rare cancer.

Sara is survived by her parents, Alan and Faith, her brother and sister-in-law, Gregg and Kendall (Remy and Cameron), her husband, Chuck, and her two beloved children, Molly and Jack.

Visitation is Friday, July 26, 2024 at Joseph Gawler's Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a Celebration of Life Ceremony, open to all, is Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Grace Chapel, within National Cathedral School, 3609 Woodley Rd NW, Washington, DC 20016 at 10 a.m. Donations to Cycle for Survival would be greatly appreciated. Please visit Sara's memorial page at josephgawlers.com for a direct link to Sara's Cycle for Survival page.